Talk’s Cheap – Free

“Mira Mesa is such a diverse area,” says Lien Dao, the community’s library branch manager. “People here are very eager to learn different languages to communicate with each other.”

Dao says anyone with a library card can now access free, online language lessons in ten foreign languages, and English as a Second Language (ESL).

The online language program was launched on March 11 and is available to all San Diego Public Library cardholders. Users can log in 24 hours a day to access the lessons, which include audio instruction. According to Dao, one of the key advantages of the online lessons will be that library patrons will no longer have to worry about renewals.

Dao says that the Mira Mesa Library would like to supplement the online lessons with live, conversational language practice at the branch.

“We’re looking for volunteers who can speak French or Chinese to help with the conversational practice.” Currently, the branch hosts weekly conversational English on Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The San Diego Library’s language learning program can be accessed at sandiegolibrary.org via the “Articles and Databases” link.